When do you think the Panthers become an NFC South contender once again?

[ECUPantherFan]

I don't post much on here, I do a fair amount of lurking... but I have been a Panther fan since day 1, and we've had our share of great times. I have never seen the organization as a whole look as disjointed as we do now...

So, I want honest opinions... how many years is this thing going to take before WE are the favorites in the NFC South like we used to be?

[The Saltman]

3-4 yrs

[Floppin]

2 years.

[ECUPantherFan]

It really is depressing... but I AM encouraged by some of our young talent..

[King Taharqa]

Depends on who is brought in this offseason to coach and make personnel decisions. If we hit a home run with our selection, it might take a year. If we make a bad hire, it could be 6-7 years.

[ryoung]

We will be contending for the NFCS title in 2 years bank on it!

However if the Mayans were right then it may take longer.

[RealisticFan]

It could happen pretty fast if the new regime can have a good eye for the talent that they have now, and see what new parts are needed to fix it. And I agree that this first pick, or trade back for picks, are good choices, then it could happen fast.

Look at Mike Smith in Atlanta and Sean Payton in New Orleans, it took less than two years each to be legitimate. The one thing that may truly be needed is a new start with a new philosophy.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

It could happen pretty fast if the new regime can have a good eye for the talent that they have now, and see what new parts are needed to fix it. And I agree that this first pick, or trade back for picks, are good choices, then it could happen fast.

Look at Mike Smith in Atlanta and Sean Payton in New Orleans, it took less than two years each to be legitimate. The one thing that may truly be needed is a new start with a new philosophy.

I agree with you.

You see horrible teams bounce back very quickly. I'd say our chances are good, especially if the coach can retain a lot of our "blue chip" type players (Williams, Stewart, Gross, Smith, Beason, etc.). We have a lot to build on.

Look at how quickly the Dolphins rebounded from their 1-15 season.

[David Duke Is a Bad Person]

After 2012, when there will be a shift in the universe, and Obama will be thrown out by the American voters

[Cyberjag]

Next year. New coach will come in, the purse-strings will open, and we'll get help on the defensive line. Outside of that area, we really have a lot of talent on defense. Hardy will have a year in, Connor and Davis will be back, and our youth should make for a formidable unit.

On offense, everyone will have at least a year of experience, the running game is still there, Otah will be back, and assuming we get a competent OC, we should be able to really move the ball. Smitty will still scare some people, and either LaFell or Gettis should emerge as a legit number two. Best case is both of them start and Smitty moves to the slot.

This team has a lot more talent than you all seem to think. A lame duck coach and a horrific offense has made it all look a lot worse than it is. We would see a massive improvement next year even without a top draft pick.

[Dpantherman]

After 2012, when there will be a shift in the universe, and Obama will be thrown out by the American voters

I don't think anyone will or should be taking any kind of political advice from you

Anyway, Largely depends on the coaches, and who we bring in. Ask me in June.

[Happy Panther]

We will win the NFC South this year.

Book it

[thefuzz]

I will say 2012 or 13 we could be in a position to compete again.

We are getting really young, and I feel that the Saints are getting older. TB and Atl are in good shape.

[Kakarot]

3-5 years